Monday, November 3, 2008

Secret Tunnels beneath the Mount

Tonight we had a real treat. By special arrangement we walked a tunnel that the Israeli archaeologists have excavated beneath the Temple Mount. The work continues, even tonight, and in places clear floor covers reveal deep shafts down to the level of the first temple – Solomon’s Temple!

The tunnel actually runs along the lowest courses of stone belonging to the Western Wall, below the street level of Jesus’ time, and even down there we came upon a remnant of pious Jews praying at the point closest to the Holy of Holies. B2’s claustrophobia was severely tested, but he came through with flying colours once again! The night was balmy so there were many praying at the Western (Wailing) Wall.